JP7289062B2 - Battery management system and battery management method - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery management system and a battery management method for managing a battery device in service in a battery exchange service in which a user of an electric vehicle or the like replaces a battery device at a battery station.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, electric vehicles such as electric motorcycles have been attracting attention from the viewpoint of solving the problems of air pollution and fuel costs due to exhaust gas. In such an electric vehicle, although the cruising distance has been extended by improving the performance of the battery device, charging of the battery device is a hindrance, which is inconvenient in that long continuous running is not possible.

Therefore, in order to eliminate such inconvenience, conventionally, an electric vehicle is equipped with a detachable battery device so that a charged battery device can be replaced with a low battery device at a battery station. A battery exchange service is known that realizes continuous driving for a long period of time (see Patent Literatures 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-525231 JP 2017-91426 A

Now, in order to properly operate the battery exchange service, it is desirable to manage the battery exchange status of the battery exchange device in real time in the server device. As a result, the battery exchange device may not be able to communicate with the server device. In this case, since the server device cannot manage the battery exchange status in the battery exchange device in real time, the user's convenience is impaired if the battery exchange is stopped. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology that can continue battery replacement even when the battery replacement device is offline.

However, in the conventional technology, no consideration is given to dealing with the case where such a battery exchange device goes offline. I had a problem getting out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a battery management system and a battery management method capable of continuing a battery exchange service in a battery exchange device even when the battery exchange device goes offline due to a network failure or the like. purpose.

The battery station management system of the present invention includes a plurality of batteries which are arranged in a battery station, store and charge battery devices returned by users, and lend the charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices. A battery management system comprising: an exchange device; and a server device connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and managing the exchange status of the battery devices in the battery exchange devices, wherein the server device is and transmitting, to the battery exchange device, rental order instruction information defining the order of preferential rental of battery devices to be rented, and when the battery exchange device becomes unable to communicate with the server device, the communication is interrupted . A battery device to be rented is selected based on the lending order instruction information received from the server device before becoming disabled , and the operation of lending the battery device is performed, and the returned battery device and the rented battery device are performed. It is configured to accumulate exchange information about and.

Further, a battery station management method of the present invention is a battery management method for managing a battery device in service in a battery exchange service in a server device, wherein the server device preferentially rents battery devices to be rented. When the battery exchange device becomes unable to communicate with the server device, the battery exchange device receives the lending order instruction information defining the order from the server device before the communication becomes impossible. A battery device to be rented is selected based on the lending order instruction information, and the operation of renting the battery device is performed, and exchange information regarding the returned battery device and the rented battery device is accumulated.

According to the present invention , when communication with the server device becomes impossible, the battery exchange device starts lending the battery device based on the rental order instruction information received from the server device before communication becomes impossible. conduct. As a result, even if the battery exchange device goes offline due to a network failure or the like, the battery exchange service at the battery exchange device can be continued.

1 is an overall block diagram of a battery sharing system according to the present embodiment; FIG. A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the battery pack 2, the battery exchanger 3, and the management server 4. Explanatory diagram showing the operating status of the system during battery replacement Sequence diagram showing the operating procedure of the system during battery replacement FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operating state of the system when batteries are exchanged in a plurality of battery exchangers 3 that are offline. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operating state of the system when batteries are exchanged in a plurality of battery exchangers 3 that are offline. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operating state of the system when batteries are exchanged in a plurality of battery exchangers 3 that are offline. Explanatory diagram showing a station guide screen displayed on the user terminal 5

A first invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is arranged in a battery station, stores and charges a battery device returned from a user, and replaces the returned battery device with a charged battery device. A battery management system comprising: a plurality of battery exchange devices lent to a user; and a server device connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and managing the exchange status of the battery devices in the battery exchange devices. Then, the server device transmits, to the battery exchange device, lending order instruction information that defines the preferential lending order of the battery devices to be rented, and the battery exchange device communicates with the server device. When the communication becomes disabled, the battery device to be rented is selected based on the rental order instruction information received from the server device before the communication becomes disabled, and the operation of renting the battery device is performed. It is configured to accumulate exchange information regarding the device and the rented battery device.

According to this, when the communication with the server device becomes impossible, the battery exchange device lends out the battery device based on the rental order instruction information received from the server device before the communication becomes impossible. As a result, even if the battery exchange device goes offline due to a network failure or the like, the battery exchange service at the battery exchange device can be continued.

In a second invention, the battery exchange device transmits the exchange information to the server device when communication with the server device is restored.

According to this, in the server device, it is possible to grasp the exchange status of the battery device in the battery exchange device.

In a third invention, the server device updates management information linking the battery device and the user of the lending destination based on the replacement information received from the battery replacement device.

According to this, in the server device, it is possible to appropriately update the management information linking the battery device and the user of the lending destination.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a battery management method for managing a battery device in service in a battery exchange service in a server device, wherein the server device prescribes a preferential lending order for battery devices to be rented. to the battery exchange device, and when the battery exchange device becomes unable to communicate with the server device, the rental order received from the server device before communication becomes impossible. A battery device to be rented is selected based on the instruction information, and the operation of renting the battery device is performed, and exchange information regarding the returned battery device and the rented battery device is accumulated.

According to this, as in the first invention, even if the battery exchange goes offline due to a network failure or the like, the battery exchange service at the battery exchange can be continued.
In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the battery exchange device further has a storage unit for storing the lending order instruction information received from the server device, and when communication with the server device becomes impossible, A battery device to be rented is selected based on the stored lending order instruction information, and an operation of renting the battery device is performed.
In a sixth aspect of the invention, the lending order instruction information is set according to a policy regarding use of the battery device.
In a seventh aspect of the invention, the battery exchange device transmits the deterioration state of the battery device to the server device, and the server device transmits the deterioration state of the battery device based on the deterioration state transmitted from the battery device. It is configured to set the lending order instruction information.
In an eighth invention, the server device sets the lending order instruction information in descending order of degree of deterioration.
In a ninth aspect of the invention, the server device updates the lending order instruction information when the battery device is replaced by the battery replacement device.
In a tenth aspect of the invention, the server device updates linking information linking the battery device and the user of the lending destination based on the replacement information received from the battery replacement device.
In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the server device assigns a virtual user to a corresponding battery device when the linking information does not match the linking information held in the server device.
In a twelfth aspect of the invention, when the server device finds that the virtual user is a specific user based on the replacement information received from the plurality of battery replacement devices, The virtual user is replaced with the specific user.
In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the server device outputs an alert when it is found that the linking information is incorrect even though all the battery exchange devices are online.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a battery sharing system according to this embodiment.

This battery sharing system provides a service in which a plurality of users share a battery pack 2 (battery device) mounted on an electric vehicle 1 such as an electric motorcycle. A server 4 (server device), a user terminal 5 (terminal device), a management terminal 6 and a maintenance terminal 7 are provided.

The battery exchanger 3, management server 4, user terminal 5, management terminal 6, and maintenance terminal 7 are connected via a network such as the Internet. The battery exchange 3 and the user terminal 5 are network-connected by wireless communication such as a mobile communication network or wireless LAN.

An electric vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery pack 2 and runs on electric power of the battery pack 2 . In the example shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle is an electric motorcycle, but it may be a four-wheeled vehicle. Further, it may be an electric wheelchair, an electric cart, a passenger cart at a theme park, a golf course, or the like, which is a mobility device that is not premised on driving on a roadway.

The battery exchanger 3 accommodates and charges the battery pack 2 returned from the user, and lends the charged battery pack 2 to the user in exchange for the returned battery pack 2 . This battery exchanger 3 is arranged in a battery station attached to a facility (store) such as a convenience store or a gas station. Also, a plurality of battery exchangers 3 are installed at one battery station.

The management server 4 manages the replacement status of the battery pack 2 in the battery exchanger 3 . In addition, the management server 4 monitors the state of the battery exchanger 3 (on-line or not) and the state of the battery pack 2 housed in the battery exchanger 3 (charged or not). 3 and the state information of the battery pack 2 are distributed to the management terminal 6 and the maintenance terminal 7.例文帳に追加In addition, the management server 4 distributes information regarding battery stations and the like to the user terminals 5 .

The user terminal 5 is a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or the like, and is possessed by the user of the electric vehicle 1 . The user terminal 5 displays a screen distributed from the management server 4, such as a screen for guiding the location of the battery station or a screen for reserving battery replacement.

The management terminal 6 is installed in a facility that serves users, a management center, or the like, and is operated by an administrator. In this management terminal 6, an administrator performs user registration operations. Also, the administrator browses the information distributed from the management server 4 .

The maintenance terminal 7 is installed in a facility dedicated to maintenance work or in a facility such as a store provided with a battery station, and is operated by a maintenance person. At the maintenance terminal 7, the maintenance staff browses the information distributed from the management server 4. FIG.

In this embodiment, the battery pack 2 mounted on an electric vehicle will be described as an example. good.

Next, schematic configurations of the battery pack 2, the battery exchanger 3, and the management server 4 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the battery pack 2, battery exchanger 3 and management server 4. As shown in FIG.

The battery pack 2 includes cells 21 , sensors 22 , an input/output section 23 , a storage section 24 and a control section 25 .

The sensor 22 detects the voltage, current, temperature, etc. of the cell 21 .

The input/output unit 23 inputs and outputs information to and from the battery exchanger 3, and outputs, for example, serial numbers, alerts, deterioration information, and the like to the battery exchanger 3. FIG.

The storage unit 24 stores programs to be executed by the processors that constitute the control unit 25 . The storage unit 24 also stores a serial number (individual identification information) and the like.

The controller 25 is composed of a processor and controls each part of the battery pack 2 . For example, based on the detection result of the sensor 22 , an abnormality or deterioration state of the cell is detected, and an alert or deterioration information is output from the input/output unit 23 .

The battery exchanger 3 includes a sensor 31, a drive section 32, a charging section 33, a communication section 34, an input/output section 35, a display section 36, a storage section 37, and a control section 38. .

The sensor 31 can be composed of, for example, a human sensor, and detects a person who has come to replace the battery.

It should be noted that user authentication may be performed to identify the user who has come to replace the battery. In this case, the user may be identified by face recognition from the captured image of the camera. In addition, the user is identified by communication with an RFID (radio frequency identifier) tag possessed by the user, a contactless IC card, or a user terminal 5 equipped with an NFC (Near field communication) function. may Alternatively, the user's intention to return the battery pack 2 may be detected by reading a two-dimensional code attached to the battery pack 2 from the captured image of the camera.

The driving unit 32 drives the opening/closing mechanism of the opening/closing door at the timing of returning and lending the battery pack 2 according to the instruction from the control unit 38, stores the returned battery pack 2, and lends it to the user. A retraction/ejection mechanism for ejecting the battery pack 2 is driven. In particular, when the sensor 31 detects the user, the battery replacement operation is started, the opening/closing door is opened, and the battery pack 2 is returned to the user.

The charging section 33 charges the battery pack 2 held in the slot (tray).

The communication unit 34 communicates with the management server 4 via the network.

The input/output unit 35 inputs and outputs information to and from the battery pack 2 , for example, the serial number of the battery pack 2 , alert, deterioration information, and the like are input from the battery pack 2 .

The display unit 36 displays a guidance screen that guides the user to replace the battery pack 2 .

The storage unit 37 stores programs to be executed by the processor that constitutes the control unit 38 . The storage unit 37 also stores a list of in-service batteries for the battery packs 2 subject to the battery exchange service, a rental order list defining the battery packs 2 to be lent by the battery exchanger 3 and their rental order, and the like. The in-service battery list and the lending order list are received from the management server 4 .

The controller 38 is configured by a processor and controls each part of the battery exchanger 3 . For example, based on the in-service battery list, it is determined whether or not the returned battery pack 2 is a genuine product (battery pack 2 subject to battery replacement service). In addition, based on the rental order list, the battery pack 2 to be rented is selected, and the drive unit 32 is made to perform the operation of renting the battery pack 2 . In addition, the communication unit 34 transmits to the management server 4 a return/lending list (including serial numbers and the like) of the returned battery pack 2 and the lent battery pack 2 .

The management server 4 includes a communication section 41 , a storage section 42 and a control section 43 .

The communication unit 41 communicates with the battery exchange device 3, the user terminal 5, the management terminal 6, and the maintenance terminal 7 via the network.

The storage unit 42 stores programs to be executed by the processor that constitutes the control unit 43 . The storage unit 42 also stores user registration information, a list of in-service batteries for the battery packs 2 to be subjected to the battery replacement service, an excluded battery list for the battery packs 2 to be excluded from the battery replacement service, and a list of the battery packs 2 and It stores management information such as linking information linking the user of the lending destination.

The control unit 43 includes a user management unit 51, a station management unit 52, a battery management unit 53, a station information presentation unit 54, a system management unit 55, a notification management unit 56, and a reservation management unit 57. ing. The control unit 43 is configured by a processor, and each unit of the control unit 43 is realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 42 by the processor.

The user management unit 51 manages users who use the battery pack 2 . For example, an administrator accepts a new registration application from a user and operates the management terminal 6 to register user information (user ID, name, address, type of electric vehicle to be used, etc.) (user register).

The station management unit 52 manages the battery station and the battery exchanger 3 installed in the battery station. For example, when the battery pack 2 is replaced by the battery exchanger 3, the lending order list defining the battery packs 2 to be lent by the battery exchanger 3 and the order of lending them is updated, and the lending order list is sent to the communication unit 41. to the battery exchanger 3.

The battery management unit 53 manages the battery pack 2 in service. For example, when starting service, the serial number of the battery pack 2 is registered in the service battery list (new registration). It also manages the linking information linking the battery pack 2 and the user to whom it is lent. Specifically, first, after the user registration is performed, the linking information linking the battery pack 2 lent out first to the user is generated. Using the return lending list received from the battery exchanger 3, the linking information is updated. Further, when the administrator operates the management terminal 6 to stop using the battery, the serial number input at the management terminal 6 is registered in the excluded battery list.

The station information presenting unit 54 presents the information of the battery station to the user. For example, a station guide screen for guiding the user to the battery station is generated and delivered to the user terminal 5, and the user terminal 5 is caused to display the station guide screen. This station guidance screen guides the location of the battery station and the number of battery packs 2 that can be replaced at the battery station.

The system management unit 55 monitors the state of the system and presents the state of the system to the administrator and the person in charge of maintenance. For example, a management screen displaying the state of the system is generated and distributed to the management terminal 6 and the maintenance terminal 7 so that the management screen is displayed on the management terminal 6 and the maintenance terminal 7 . This allows administrators and maintenance personnel to view the system status. Specifically, it relates to the state of the battery exchangers 3 arranged at each battery station, the state of the battery packs 2 accommodated in the battery exchangers 3, the status of the battery exchange performed in the battery exchangers 3, and the like. Collect information (gathering information) and display their status information on the management screen. Also, items detected from the system status information are displayed on the management screen as errors (abnormalities), alerts (warnings), and normal notifications according to the degree of urgency.

The notification management unit 56 manages notifications (notices) to users. Specifically, information such as information on new construction or closure of battery stations, maintenance information such as construction work to be carried out at battery stations, and information to the effect that reservations for battery replacement at battery stations cannot be made due to network failure, etc. Deliver to 5.

The reservation management unit 57 manages a user's battery replacement reservation. Specifically, when the user performs a reservation operation on the user terminal 5, the reservation for battery replacement is accepted. Further, the user cancels the reservation for battery replacement by performing a reservation cancellation operation on the user terminal 5 . Further, if the battery replacement is not performed even after a predetermined time has passed since the reservation for battery replacement was received, the reservation for battery replacement is forcibly canceled.

Next, the operation status of the system when the battery is replaced will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating state of the system when the battery is replaced. In FIG. 3, the battery pack 2 is given a three-digit number for convenience of explanation, but in reality, for example, an eight-digit serial number is given to the battery pack 2 .

One or a plurality of battery packs 2 are mounted on the electric vehicle 1, and when a plurality of battery packs 2 are mounted, the plurality of battery packs 2 are replaced at the same time.

Battery exchanger 3 accommodates a plurality of battery packs 2 . In this embodiment, a plurality of turntables 61 (storage/ejection mechanisms) having a plurality of slots (trays) for holding the battery packs 2 one by one are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two turntables 61 each having four slots are provided vertically, and a total of eight battery packs 2 can be accommodated.

In the battery exchanger 3, each turntable 61 has one empty slot so that one battery pack 2 to be returned can be stored in each turntable 61.例文帳に追加When replacing two battery packs 2 at the same time, one battery pack 2 is returned to each of the two turntables 61, and one battery pack 2 is lent from each of the two turntables 61.例文帳に追加As a result, for example, when the number of battery packs 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 is two, two battery packs 2 can be replaced at the same time by configuring the battery exchanger 3 in two stages. A plurality of (for example, four) battery exchangers 3 may be arranged in one battery station. As a result, for example, when the number of battery packs 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 is four, the four battery packs 2 can be replaced at the same time.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the number of battery packs 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 is two, but the number may be one or three or more. Moreover, although the turntable 61 is used as the battery exchanger 3, it may be a locker-type exchanger provided with a plurality of rechargeable battery holes vertically and horizontally. Furthermore, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the battery packs are stored and ejected using a lift mechanism or the like from a storage section in which a plurality of battery packs are arranged in the horizontal or vertical direction.

When the battery pack 2 is replaced, the battery exchanger 3 generates a return lending list (replacement information) and transmits it to the management server 4 . This return/lending list includes the number of the battery pack 2 that has been returned, the number of the battery pack 2 that has been lent, and the time (time stamp).

The management server 4 manages linking information linking the battery pack 2 being rented and the user of the lending destination. When receiving the return lending list from the battery exchanger 3, the management server 4 updates the linking information (linking process) based on the return lending list. By performing such a linking process, user information is only registered in the first lent battery pack 2, and after that, the user information is stored on the management server 4 side based on the returned/rental list of the battery pack 2. is taken over, there is no need to perform troublesome operations such as user authentication each time the battery pack 2 is replaced, and the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

Also, the battery exchanger 3 periodically updates the slot management list and transmits it to the management server 4 . This slot management list describes the charging state and empty state of the battery pack 2 attached to each slot. Thereby, the management server 4 can manage the charged state and empty state of the battery pack 2 in the battery exchanger 3 .

Here, when the communication between the battery exchanger 3 and the management server 4 becomes impossible due to a network failure or the like, and the battery exchanger 3 goes offline, it becomes impossible to transmit the return lending list to the management server 4. - 特許庁As a result, the management server 4 cannot update the linking information. As a result, the battery pack 2 cannot be rented out from the battery exchanger 3 .

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the management server 4 is online, the battery packs 2 that have been fully charged in the battery exchanger 3 are specified for lending out the battery packs 2 in the battery exchanger 3. An order list (lending instruction information) is generated and transmitted to the battery exchanger 3 .

Based on the rental order list received from the management server 4, the battery exchanger 3 selects and rents out the battery pack 2 to be rented. This lending order list defines the order in which the battery packs 2 are preferentially lent out, and the battery pack 2 with the highest priority is lent out.

The battery exchanger 3 continues lending the battery pack 2 based on the lending order list even if it goes off-line. In addition, when the communication is restored and the device becomes online, the return lending list is transmitted to the management server 4. - 特許庁The management server 4 updates the linking information based on the return lending list received from the battery exchanger 3 . Also, the lending order list is updated based on the returned lending list, and the lending order list is transmitted to the battery exchanger 3 .

Note that if all the battery packs 2 listed in the lending order list are lent out before communication is restored, the battery packs 2 cannot be lent out after that. That is, the battery pack 2 that has been fully charged immediately before going offline is to be rented, and the battery pack 2 that has been fully charged after going offline is not rented. Therefore, if the restoration of communication is delayed for a long time, the battery pack 2 cannot be rented. However, since the communication is restored in a short time in many cases, there is a low possibility that the rental of the battery pack 2 will be hindered. .

Further, when the battery exchanger 3 is online, the management server 4 updates the lending order list each time the battery is replaced based on the return lending list received from the battery exchanger 3, and the battery exchanger 3 3, but if the battery exchanger 3 is offline, the returned lending list cannot be sent. Then, the lending order of the battery packs 2 is advanced to select the battery pack 2 to be rented.

By the way, in this embodiment, the battery packs 2 are lent out based on the lent order list. You can also set For example, the deterioration state of the battery pack 2 may be transmitted to the management server 4, and the lending order may be set in descending order of the degree of deterioration. As a result, by promoting the use of the battery pack 2 whose deterioration has progressed, the battery pack 2 can be quickly recovered and replaced with a new one.

Next, the operating procedure of the system at the time of battery replacement will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operating procedure of the system during battery replacement.

First, the management server 4 transmits a lending order list defining the lending order of the battery packs 2 to the battery exchanger 3 .

When the user returns the battery pack 2, the battery exchanger 3 confirms whether or not the returned battery pack 2 is a genuine product (battery pack 2 subject to battery exchange service) based on the list of in-service batteries. . In addition, a list of in-service batteries is transmitted from the management server 4 to the battery exchanger 3 in advance.

Next, the battery exchanger 3 selects the battery pack 2 to be lent based on the lent order list received from the management server 4, and lent the battery pack 2 to the user.

Next, the battery exchanger 3 transmits the return lending list to the management server 4 . This return lending list includes information about the returned battery packs 2 and lending battery packs 2 (serial numbers, etc.).

Based on the return lending list received from the battery exchanger 3, the management server 4 determines whether the serial number of the returned battery pack 2 is unknown or duplicated. is suspected of being a counterfeit product. In addition, an alert is output when there is a suspicion of counterfeit goods.

Next, the management server 4 collates the serial number of the returned battery pack 2 with the excluded battery list to confirm whether or not it is the battery pack 2 whose use is to be stopped. If the serial number matches the excluded battery list, the subsequent registration in the lending order list is also excluded, and an alert is output to prompt recovery.

Next, the management server 4 confirms the linking information between the battery pack 2 and the user ID of the lending destination. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is linking information for the battery pack 2 returned while in the online state. Further, when a plurality of battery packs 2 are returned, it is also determined whether or not the linking information of each battery pack 2 is linked to the same user ID.

Next, the management server 4 updates the linking information as a linking process. This linking process updates the linking information by assigning the user ID linked to the battery pack 2 returned while in the online state to the rented battery pack 2 .

Next, the management server 4 updates the lending order list. At this time, among the battery packs 2 accommodated in the battery exchanger 3, the lending order is set for the battery packs 2 that have been fully charged, based on a predetermined rule. Then, the lending order list is transmitted to the battery exchanger 3 .

Next, a description will be given of the operating state of the system when batteries are exchanged in a plurality of battery exchangers 3 that are offline. 5, 6, and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the operation state of the system when battery exchange is performed in a plurality of battery exchangers 3 that are offline. Here, for convenience of explanation, the number of battery packs 2 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 is one.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in the initial state before battery replacement, the battery exchanger A of the first station and the battery exchanger B of the second station are offline, and the battery exchanger of the third station is offline. C is online. User X's electric vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery pack 2 numbered 501 .

Here, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the user X returns the battery pack 2 with number 501 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 to the battery exchanger A at the first station, the battery exchanger A The battery pack 2 numbered 101 is lent to the user X based on the lent order list. At this time, since the battery exchanger A is in the off-line state, it accumulates the return lending list.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, at the second station, when the user X returns the battery pack 2 with number 101 mounted on the electric vehicle 1 to the battery exchanger B, the battery exchanger B The battery pack 2 numbered 102 is lent to the user X based on the lent order list. At this time, since the battery exchanger B is in the off-line state, it accumulates the return lending list.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, at the third station, when the user X returns the battery pack 2 with the number 102 mounted on the electric vehicle 1, the battery exchanger C returns the battery according to the rental order list. Then, the battery pack 2 with the number 103 is lent to the user X. At this time, since the battery exchanger C is online, it transmits the return lending list to the management server 4 . In the management server 4, since the return/lending list received from the battery exchanger C does not match the linking information held in its own device, it is not possible to replace the linked user according to the replacement. A virtual user V is assigned to the battery packs 2 with numbers 102 and 103 described in 1., and the return lending list of the battery exchanger C is accumulated. In this case, if the presence of the offline battery exchanger is known, the linking process is put on hold.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the communication with the management server 4 is restored in the battery exchanger B of the second station and the online state is established, the battery exchanger B accumulates data in its own device. The returned/rented list is transmitted to the management server 4.例文帳に追加In the management server 4, since the return/lending list received from the battery exchanger B and the return/lending list of the battery exchanger C accumulated in its own device do not match with the linking information held in its own device, the replacement is performed. Since it is not possible to replace the linked user according to the number, the virtual user V is assigned to the battery packs 2 with numbers 101 and 102 described in the returned lending list, and the returning lending list of the battery exchanger B is also accumulated. . In this case, if the presence of the offline battery exchanger is known, the linking process is put on hold.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the communication with the management server 4 is restored in the battery exchanger A of the first station and it becomes online, the battery exchanger A accumulates data in its own device. The returned/rented list is transmitted to the management server 4.例文帳に追加In the management server 4, the return/lending list received from the battery exchanger A and the return/lending list of the battery exchanger B and the return/lending list of the battery exchanger C accumulated in the own device are aligned, thereby allowing the virtual user V is the user X, and matches with the tying information held in the own device, so that the tying destination user can be replaced according to the exchange, so the tying information is updated. At this time, by referring to the times (timestamps) included in the return lending list, the order in which the user replaced the battery packs 2 can be grasped.

Note that when batteries are exchanged between users, the management server 4 cannot appropriately manage the linking information with only the information collected from the battery exchange device 3 . Therefore, it is preferable to prohibit battery exchange between users. Also, if it is found that the linking information is incorrect even though all the battery exchangers are online, an alert may be output. Furthermore, the administrator may be allowed to manually correct the linking information when returning the electric vehicle 1 or the like.

Next, the station guide screen displayed on the user terminal 5 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a station guide screen.

This station guide screen is displayed when the user terminal 5 accesses and logs in to the management server 4 . This station guide screen is displayed by a station search application installed in the user terminal 5. FIG.

On this station guide screen, an icon 82 of a battery station is superimposed on an area map 81 (map image). The battery station icon 82 displays the number of replaceable battery packs 2 at the corresponding battery station, that is, the number of charged and lendable battery packs 2 .

An electric vehicle icon 83 representing the current location of the electric vehicle 1 is superimposed on the area map 81 on the station guidance screen. Note that the management server 4 acquires the position information from the user terminal 5 and displays the icon 83 of the electric vehicle based on the position information.

By operating (for example, tapping) a battery station icon 82, detailed information (location, street scenery image, business hours, distance from current location, walking time, contact information, etc.) is displayed. .

By the way, if the user terminal 5 goes offline due to a network failure or the like, the station guide screen distributed in real time from the management server 4 cannot be displayed. At this time, if the user is in an unfamiliar area, he or she may not be able to replace the battery because the location of the battery station is not known, and may have to give up driving the electric vehicle.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the user terminal 5, the latest station information regarding the installation positions of all battery stations in operation is received from the management server 4 and stored. The station information is retrieved and displayed by the station search application.

Even if the user terminal 5 is online, if the battery exchanger 3 is offline, reservation for battery replacement cannot be accepted. , the battery exchange is performed by visiting the battery station without making a reservation for the battery exchange.

As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments with modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like. Further, it is also possible to combine the constituent elements described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

The battery management system and the battery management method according to the present invention have the effect of being able to continue the battery exchange service at the battery exchange even when the battery exchange goes offline due to a network failure or the like. The present invention is useful as a battery management system and a battery management method for managing battery devices in service in a battery exchange service in which a user of a vehicle or the like replaces a battery device at a battery station.

1 electric vehicle 2 battery pack (battery device)
3 battery exchanger (battery exchange device)
4 Management server (server device)
5 User terminal (terminal device)
6 management terminal 7 maintenance terminal 31 sensor 32 drive unit 33 charging unit 34 communication unit 35 input/output unit 36 display unit 37 storage unit 38 control unit 41 communication unit 42 storage unit 43 control unit

Claims (13)

a plurality of battery exchange devices arranged in a battery station, accommodating and charging battery devices returned from users, and lending the charged battery devices to users in exchange for the returned battery devices;
a server device connected to the plurality of battery exchange devices via a network and managing the exchange status of the battery devices in the battery exchange devices;
A battery management system comprising:
The server device
transmitting lending order instruction information defining an order of preferential lending of battery devices to be rented to the battery exchange device;
The battery exchange device
When communication with the server device becomes impossible, a battery device to be rented is selected based on the rental order instruction information received from the server device before communication becomes impossible, and the battery device is rented. A battery management system that operates and accumulates exchange information regarding a returned battery device and a rented battery device. The battery exchange device
2. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein when communication with said server device is restored, said exchange information is transmitted to said server device. The server device
3. The battery management system according to claim 2, wherein, based on the exchange information received from the battery exchange device, management information linking the battery device and the user to whom the battery is lent is updated. A battery management method for managing a battery device in service in a battery replacement service in a server device, comprising:
The server device
transmitting to the battery exchange device lending order instruction information that defines the preferential lending order of the battery device to be rented;
The battery exchange device
When communication with the server device becomes impossible, a battery device to be rented is selected based on the rental order instruction information received from the server device before communication becomes impossible, and the battery device is rented. A battery management method characterized by performing an operation and storing exchange information regarding a returned battery device and a rented battery device. The battery exchange device
further comprising a storage unit for storing the lending order instruction information received from the server device;
3. A battery device to be rented is selected based on the rental order instruction information stored in the storage unit when communication with the server device becomes impossible, and an operation of renting the battery device is performed. The battery management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 6. The battery management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein the lending order instruction information is set according to a policy regarding use of the battery device. The battery exchange device
transmitting the deterioration state of the battery device to the server device;
7. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 and 6, wherein the server device sets the lending order instruction information based on the deterioration state transmitted from the battery device. A battery management system as described above. 8. The battery management system according to claim 7, wherein the server device sets the lending order instruction information in descending order of the degree of deterioration. 9. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 8, wherein when the battery device is replaced by the battery replacement device, the server device updates the lending order instruction information. battery management system. Based on the exchange information received from the battery exchange device, the server device updates the association information that associates the battery device with the user to whom the battery is lent. and a battery management system according to any one of claims 5-9. 11. The battery management according to claim 10, wherein the server device assigns a virtual user to the corresponding battery device when the linking information does not match the linking information held in the server device. system. When the virtual user is found to be a specific user based on the exchange information received from the plurality of battery exchange devices, the server device assigns the virtual user in the linking information to the specific user. 12. The battery management system according to claim 11, wherein the user is substituted. 11. The battery according to claim 10, wherein said server device outputs an alert when said linking information is found to be incorrect even though all said battery exchange devices are online. management system.

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